For those looking to invest in commodities such as gold and silver, metals such as uranium and zinc can be worth looking into as well. Although the uranium news today projects a fairly slow growth in its market, many experts and professionals agree that the long-term prospect for uranium is a positive one. According to the World Nuclear Association, demand for uranium is predicted to be 25% higher by 2025.

The predicted growth for this commodity has made many investors interested in uranium investment. If you are one of these investors, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the uranium market before beginning to invest in uranium. Below are some of the top publicly traded uranium companies of 2016.

Cameco (TSX:$CCO, NYSE:$CCJ)

When it comes to uranium investing, one should definitely consider investing in Cameco. Producing 17% of uranium worldwide, Cameco is the best publicly owned company when it comes to uranium production. The mining company has stakes in mines in the United States, Canada, and Kazakhstan. Not only that, these mines are some of the top mines when it comes to uranium production.

The company is steady when it comes to uranium production; this is highlighted by President and CEO Time Gitzel’s respond to Cameco’s lowered production in 2016 when compared to 2015, “the past year proved to be another difficult period for the uranium market. However, despite the uranium spot pricing hitting a 12-year low, the performance of our core business–uranium–was solid, and in line with our outlook.” This is a company that believes in high production and a will to push through despite market prices.

However, for investors just getting into uranium investing and are considering Cameco’s stocks as a sound investment, it should be noted that recently, in February 2017, Cameco has encountered some difficulties when Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCH) canceled its $1.3 billion uranium supply contract with Cameco. In light of this, Cameco has vowed to fight the termination and the right for the company its losses.

AREVA (EPA:$AREVA)

Coming in just behind Cameco, AREVA produces about 15% of uranium worldwide. Additionally, unlike Cameco, the company saw a slight rise in production in 2016 when compared to their numbers in 2015.

One of the most notable uranium production mines that AREVA own is in partnership with Kazatomprom, a Kazakhstan-based mine named Muyunkum and Tortkuduk. This joint relationship is often referred to as KATCO. In April 2017, both AREVA and Kazatomprom renewed their partnership contract, further strengthening the relationship between the companies.

With the reassurance of the continued KATCO partnership and the uncertainties of Cameco’s recovery from TEPCH’s termination of their uranium supply contract, it is perhaps safer for investors to put their uranium investment into AREVA.

Rio Tinto (NYSE:$RIO, ASX:$RIO)

The major owner of one of 2016’s top 10 performing uranium mines (68.4% ownership of the Ranger mine), Rio Tinto is a slow but steadily rising company when it comes to uranium production. Producing around 4% of uranium worldwide, its performance in 2016 was an increase from its 2015 numbers. With this positive outcome, Rio Tinto is looking to continue the increase in production; projecting to produce up to 7.5 million pounds of uranium in 2017.

If you are an investor with a bullish investment style and want to participate in uranium investment, then perhaps Rio Tinto is the company for you.

Paladin Energy (TSE:$PDN)

Uranium production from Paladin Energy mainly stems from the Langer Heinrich mine in Namibia. They also hold ownership over Kayelekera mine in Malawi, however, the mine is currently under maintenance.

If you are looking to invest in uranium and choose to invest in Paladin Energy based on last year’s information, you might find yourself in a tricky situation. Despite performing well in 2016, recent news in 2017 does not bode well for investors. Early in the year, Paladin Energy proposed to restructure its balance sheet as to pay some of its debts and extend others.

As a result, CNNC Overseas Uranium Holdings has attempted to obtain ownership of the Langer Heinrich mine, having already bought 25% of it in 2016. Paladin’s response is to attempt to garner a resolution with CNNC. This kind of situations is an example of why it is good to keep up with uranium news today if you are in uranium investing.

BHP Billiton (NYSE:$BHP, ASX:$BHP)

Although the company only owns the Olympic Dam mine in Australia, the mine produces some of the most uranium in the world. Besides uranium, the mine also holds copper, gold, and silver, making it a perfect company to invest in if you are looking to diversify outside of uranium investor.

In 2016, the company announced a plan to expand the mine over the next five years. The expansion could be a rising point for the company; it is encouraged for those in uranium investment to keep an eye out for the growth of BHP.

Other uranium-producing companies

Some other companies that produced smaller amounts of uranium include Energy Fuels and Ur-Energy. Although they may not be top uranium producers, these companies can also be worth investing into for those wishing to participate in uranium investment.

If you want to know more about investment in uranium, it is worth noting that Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) produced 5.2 million pounds of uranium oxide in 2016, and is expected to produce the same amount in 2017. This makes ERA a worthwhile investment for some.

Kazatomprom (which actually produces 21% of the world’s uranium) and Uranium One (produces around 13% of the world’s uranium) are top uranium-producing companies, however, they are privately owned. If you are an investor who can trade privately in the world of uranium investing, then it is strongly advised that you look into these companies when it comes to investment in uranium.

Featured image: ca.finance.yahoo.com